Fit for a king

SALFORD signing Mark Edmondson shows his forward power while playing for former club St Helens against Castleford.

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THE rest of Super League had better watch out as Salford's latest signing has been learning from the master!

Mark Edmondson says that Aussie legend Brad Fittler has helped to improve his game beyond all recognition at Sydney City Roosters.

A succession of injuries has prevented Edmondson from putting his new skills into practice down under. But the 26-year-old says that the shackles will soon be off.

"I am a far better player than I was before I came to Australia. The difference between Super League and the NRL is massive and the Roosters have some of the best coaches in the world.

"I have been lucky enough to have been coached by Brad Fittler, who is one of the world's best ever players. He has taught me so much and I am looking forward to putting it all into practice when I come back to England."

Edmondson denies that he has been a flop in Australia.

The Roosters were happy for Edmondson to return to England despite him having more than a year left on his two-year contract.

But Edmondson says: "It's been reported in England that I have flopped in Australia but that's simply not true. I've been injured for most of the season so I haven't had the chance to show what I can do.

"It's been frustrating but it's something that can happen to any player. I've just been unlucky but Salford fans need not worry. I'll come to England with a clean bill of health.

"In fact, I'll soon be injury free and back playing for the Roosters."

Edmondson attracted a lot of interest after it became clear that he was to leave the Roosters. St Helens and Hull were two of several clubs to make him an offer. So why did he opt for a move to Salford?

Edmondson, who prefers to play in the second row but is also comfortable operating as a prop, said: "I wanted to be by my family so I was only interested in Lancashire clubs. And Salford were the club that suited me the most.

"I've been watching Salford and they have been playing some good football.

"They play well as a team and they have been getting some good results. I've got a good feeling about playing for Salford. They have got a bit of magic about them.

"I also have a high regard for Karl Harrison (Salford's coach). I have met him quite a few times. He is a good guy, a top coach and he's really down to earth.

"I'm really looking forward to working under him."

Edmondson has made no secret of his desire to get back into the Great Britain fold. But his main priority is to prove his worth for Salford.

Edmondson said: "All I want is to play well every week for Salford. Everything else will come from that."

He is confident that more top drawer signings will follow him to the Willows.

Edmondson, who is set to live in Manchester with his Australian girlfriend, said: "My manager tells me that Salford are really looking to put the offers in.

"They are trying to sign top players and everyone at the club is focused on getting Salford to the stage where they are ready to challenge for the Super League title."